Month: August 2024

OKLAHOMA CITY – RVers can elevate their experience on the road to game day. From Sept. 1, 2024, through Feb. 9, 2025, customers can save 10% off their nightly rate at all Love’s RV locations, according to a release. 

Combining the comforts of home with the excitement of live sports, RVs provide one of the best ways to tailgate at stadiums and sports arenas. With 70 locations and more than 1,300 reservable spaces across the country located near Love’s Travel Stops, Love’s offers convenient, safe, clean and well-maintained places for RVers to stop on their way to high school, collegiate or professional sporting events. 

“Love’s RV parks offer a comfortable and hassle-free way for fans to relax during their travels,” said Jim Wheeler, Love’s director of hospitality and RV operations. “With all the amenities Love’s provides, you can stay focused on cheering for your team and celebrating with friends and family.” 

The Love’s Connect app, available through the App Store or Google Play Store, helps travelers plan trips based on desired routes and specific amenities. This includes Wi-Fi for steaming games, RV dump services, bulk propane, RV parking, laundry facilities, dog parks and more. And for sports enthusiasts, don’t forget athletic gear and tennis shoes when staying at Love’s larger RV Stop locations, which feature pickleball and basketball courts. 

To take advantage of the promotion, customers can enter the promo code TAILGATE10 during the checkout process. The 10% discount will apply to reservations booked and completed by Feb. 9. Sports fans are encouraged to book their RV stays early to ensure availability for the upcoming season. For more information and booking, visit lovesrvstops.com. 

Love’s introduced its first RV stop location in Cordele, Georgia in 2022 and now offers 70 locations with more than 1,300 total RV reservable spaces across the United Sates. New hookup locations are coming soon to Alma, Arkansas, and Burlington, Colorado. Love’s continues to grow its RV network as it adds more hookups and amenities than any other national travel stop network. 

The post Love’s RV Stops Offer Discounted Stays for Football Fans  first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

From Thor Motor Coach: Whether you’re a solo traveler or a couple who loves to explore, the Four Winds 24LV is equipped with all the amenities you need for unforgettable trips.

The RVBusiness Featured Video is sponsored by Curt, a Lippert Brand.

The post OEM Showcase: Four Winds 24LV by Thor Motor Coach first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

MIDDLEBURY, Ind. – Firefly Integrations’ technician training program continues in September in Phoenix and Houston. The training sessions are available in four-hour morning and afternoon sessions.

The focus of each session is to give technicians a heightened understanding of RV-C and CAN bus technology as well as strengthen their ability to distinguish between operational, technical, and software issues.

The training sessions involve hands-on experience with Firefly’s Multiplex system and technical discussion that should greatly diminish the time technicians spend troubleshooting and diagnosing issues, the company says.

Each attending technician will earn a certificate for RV Technical Institute (RVTI) credit hours. Technicians need only attend one session for the information needed and the certificate.

September Schedule

• September 10-11: Phoenix
• September 24-25: Houston

For more information and to register for available training in September and beyond, go to https://www.fireflyint.com/services/training

The post Firefly Integrations Announces September Training Schedule first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a News & Insights report by the RV Industry Association (RVIA).

Marcus Palmer, the RV Vertical Commercial Leader for Huntington Distribution Finance, is passionate about his work in the RV world.

Originally from Baltimore, MD, Marcus grew up in Philadelphia and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in interdisciplinary studies. He credits his mother and brothers with providing a supportive environment that helped him achieve a successful life and career. In his personal life, Marcus is an avid lover of sports, particularly basketball and golf, and is a fan of the Dallas Cowboys. 

So far, Marcus’s career path has included three major companies; he spent six years as a supply chain manager for ConocoPhillips before moving to Arizona to work at General Electric. This served as his introduction to the RV industry. “I worked on some supply chain matters there, but then I transferred over into the RV portion of the company, where I became an account manager,” he explains. 

As Account Manager, Marcus was responsible for overseeing RV dealerships, collecting interest and curtailments, and answering any of his dealer’s questions. His role also meant that he formed industry connections with individuals such as Bob Parish, the Vice President of Global Accounts for Wells Fargo Capital Finance and the RV Industry Association’s former Board Chair.

“I was lucky enough to get promoted into the role of RV Sales Support Manager and I had the pleasure of working with Bob,” Marcus says. “And I take a lot of pride in that because I learned a lot from him in this role.”

After spending seven years with General Electric, Marcus branched out to Huntington Distribution Finance. (The establishment was originally known as Twin City Financial Bank before it was acquired by Huntington Distribution in 2020.) In his current role as RV Vertical Commercial Leader, Marcus oversees a sales team whose representatives are located across the United States and Canada. 

“Our role is to go out and develop great relationships with the RV dealerships with the overall intentions of getting them to floor plan with Huntington Distribution Finance,” he explains. “Basically, we focus on wholesale floor planning, which includes dealer size and inventory. They finance their inventory through us when they sell an inventory or a unit. They pay us, and then that concludes that transaction. So, our job is to keep finding more work opportunities— we have other lenders that are out there, and we’re responsible for proving why a dealer would want to do business with our company.”

Additionally, Marcus serves as manufacturer liaison for Huntington Distribution Finance, which entails building and maintaining strong relationships with all the manufacturer partners.

“I’m focused on making myself and my team even better in our current roles. That’s my concentration right now,” he says, adding: “Huntington has a great dealer base. We appreciate the relationships and the trust that they’ve given us in their business, and we want to expand on that. We know that there’s still more people that we need to connect with and have them believe in us. And that’s our focus.” 

In addition to Marcus’s responsibilities at Huntington, he is also involved with the RV Industry Association. He is a member of the Financial Services Committee and is always looking for more ways to be involved in the organization. 

He also attends Association events, including RVs Move America Week: “I’ve always had internal relationships with people in the Association, but I became more involved two years ago during RVs Move America Week. That was a phenomenal experience. It’s important to be proud of what you do and the industry that you’re in. And it was nice to sit in front of Members of Congress to explain our roles and advocate for this long-standing industry that’s been around for over 100 years.” 

With that in mind, Marcus adds that it’s especially satisfying when legislation passes that the industry had advocated for on Capitol Hill: “When you see it going across the finish line, it’s even better. That means that your efforts are definitely paying off.”

When reflecting on the RV industry and his role, Marcus expresses his enthusiasm and dedication. “I love what I’m doing,” he says. “I love this industry, and I love the people in this industry. I’ve learned about the history of RVing and I get excited about shows. I look forward to the travel, because it gives me an opportunity to reconnect with people. Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces and hearing their stories makes you enjoy the moment. Every show is like a family reunion.”

The post RVIA: Huntington’s Marcus Palmer an ‘Industry Enthusiast’ first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FAIRFAX, Va. – The RV Dealers Association (RVDA) and Accelerate2Compliance (A2C) will host a 30-minute webinar for RV dealers at 2 p.m. Eastern, Sept. 12,  on “Unveiling the Shadows: Exploring the Dark Web’s Hidden Capabilities and Risks for RV Dealers.”

The Dark Web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines (like Google and Bing) and is often associated with illegal activities, including the buying and selling of stolen data. RV dealers collect sensitive personal information which can be sold on the Dark Web leading to legal liability, potential financial penalties, and loss of customer trust. RV dealers who are interested in learning more about A2C, the Dark Web, and how to protect sensitive information should register here.

During the webinar, participants will learn more about five critical cybersecurity areas:

• Surface web, deep web, and dark web – what is the difference?
• Detect when an RV dealer’s data is at risk of being exploited – no matter where the risk originates
• Learn how to stay ahead of potential cyber and intellectual property thefts 
• Maintain business continuity, prevent economic loss, and avoid damages to your dealership’s reputation
• Increase consumer trust and differentiate your dealership using a cybersecurity plan from A2C

“As technology continues to advance, cyber threats, including those from the Dark Web, will only become more sophisticated. By implementing a cybersecurity plan now, RV dealers can future-proof their business against evolving risks and ensure long-term security and success,” said Phil Ingrassia, President of RVDA.

“The Dark Web is where cyber criminals buy and sell stolen data. The sooner you know sensitive data may have been leaked to the Dark Web, the sooner you can fix the leak. Dark Web monitoring is a logical and affordable layer of defense that helps your dealership rapidly respond and recover from potential data loss events,” said Greg Pfleider, CEO of Accelerate2Compliance.

This event is a continuation of an ongoing monthly webinar series known as “Help Me Solve…” featuring RVDA Endorsed Providers which are tailored for RV dealer professionals who are at the forefront of innovation and seek continual growth. The endorsed partnership between RVDA and A2C provides RV dealers with access to a selective group of dedicated companies who help dealers become more successful and address common problems and offer solutions.

About RVDA

RVDA, The National RV Dealers Association, is the only national association dedicated to advancing the RV retailer’s interests through education, member services, industry leadership, and market expansion programs that promote the increased sale and use of RVs and that enhance the positive image of the RV experience. For more information, click here.

About A2C

Accelerate2Compliance offers cost-effective and easy-to-use information security compliance solutions to help dealers – and their vendors – achieve and maintain regulatory requirements unique to their business. Dealer support is delivered through the A2C Portal, a cloud-based subscription software solution to provide RV dealers with a simple and efficient assessment process, robust tools and reports, and best business practices to guard against ever-increasing information security threats. A2C’s platform provides scale, configurability, and expansion modules to ensure you maintain, and can prove, compliance in today’s ever-changing privacy landscape. For more information about A2C, click here.

The post RVDA, A2C Webinar Set on ‘Dark Web’s Risks for RV Dealers’ first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Voting in the election for the RV Industry Association (RVIA) Board of Directors begins next week on Tuesday, Sept. 3, according to an RVIA News & Insights report.

The Board of Directors is the highest-level authority in the association’s overall organizational structure and is responsible for setting and overseeing strategy and policies related to critical topics such as standards, marketing, government affairs, industry education, statistical data and association finances.

Eight candidates are running for this year’s three open seats. Members will have the opportunity to cast their votes in September to fill two RV Manufacturer seats and one Supplier seat. Voting will take place between Tuesday, Sept. 3 and continue until midnight on Monday, Sept. 23.

Each member company is permitted one vote, cast by the member’s official representative. Official representatives will be contacted via email at the start of the election period with directions on how to submit their ballots. Results will be announced in late September and the newly elected board members will begin serving their 3-year terms on Jan. 1, 2025.

Meet the candidates here.

The post 2025 RVIA Board of Directors Election Begins Next Week first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ELKHART, Ind. — Premium Rock announces its official rebranding as Aion UV, reflecting its innovative and advanced digital paint process for RV and commercial truck exteriors. Inspired by the Greek god symbolizing eternity, the new brand name underscores the company’s commitment to creating durable and long-lasting designs.

Aion UV will debut its groundbreaking technology with a 42-foot digitally printed RV exterior at the upcoming America’s Largest RV Show, scheduled from Sept. 11-15, 2024, in Hershey, Pa.

The design, developed in collaboration with one of the RV industry’s leading manufacturers, will remain under wraps until the OEM reveals it publicly in early September. This innovative design showcases the possibilities achievable with Aion UV’s cutting-edge technology, which now supports digital painting on RVs extending up to 50 feet.

“This design is groundbreaking — something that could only be achieved at a cost-effective price point with our advanced technology. The initial feedback has been extremely positive, and we are confident it will captivate attention once it is introduced to a wider audience. This is just the start as we prepare to roll out even more innovative designs in collaboration with forward-thinking RV manufacturers,” said Chris Shepherd, CEO.

The rebranding to Aion UV aligns with the company’s expanded production capabilities, which have been enhanced to meet the growing demand for high-quality, cost-effective exterior graphics. The Aion UV process is particularly well-suited for middle-tier RV models that have traditionally lacked full-body paint due to pricing concerns. This new technology offers a cost-effective solution, opening up new possibilities for models where traditional paint and wraps have been too expensive.

“Our process is perfect for middle-tier RV models, which historically lack full-body paint due to cost concerns. Despite all the benefits of our technology, we understand that OEMs are focused on costs, especially in today’s challenging environment, and we’re demonstrating tremendous value,” added Nic Hedges, COO/Co-Founder.

In addition to larger RVs, Aion UV’s digital paint technology is gaining significant traction with smaller travel trailers and truck campers. The process is attractive for these models, offering a cost-effective solution without compromising design but significantly enhancing durability.

Aion UV will also showcase additional units at the RV Dealers Open House in Elkhart, Indiana at the end of September, demonstrating the range and versatility of its innovative technology.

“We’re at a thrilling juncture for Aion UV as we refine our production capabilities to meet the growing demand,” continued Hedges. “The performance of our automotive clear coat has exceeded expectations, and we have several exciting product developments slated for 2025 that will solidify Digital Paint as a game-changing category for exterior graphics.”

What is Aion UV?

Aion UV (pronounced “eye-on”) utilizes a patented process and ultraviolet light to cure digital paint on RV and commercial truck exteriors. This innovative, eco-friendly approach provides unmatched flexibility, enabling the creation of stunning and durable designs that can be tailored to any style or specification. Each surface is protected with a high-performance automotive-grade clear coat, ensuring lasting protection and a brilliant finish.

The next-generation Digital UV paint is applied using a proprietary method that forms a strong chemical bond, eliminating the need for traditional techniques like spray guns and paint masks. This results in a cleaner, more durable, and environmentally friendly paint application, free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Key benefits of this process include durability, value, design flexibility, ease of repair, eco-friendliness, and accelerated production times for OEMs.

The website www.aionuv.com serves as a temporary platform, but a complete website is set to launch in mid-September. The forthcoming site will comprehensively showcase Aion UV’s products and detailed information about their innovative processes.

It is important to note that this rebranding applies exclusively to Aion UV’s exterior RV processes. The Premium Rock name will continue to be used for the company’s interior products, which cater to RV, commercial, and residential construction markets.

Contact Information:
Nic Hedges, COO
Chris Shepherd, CEO
Phone: 574-333-2528
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.aionuv.com

The post Digital Exterior Painter Premium Rock Rebrands to Aion UV first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

LOVELAND, Colo. – Redarc has made some gains in the RV OEM space, but nothing compared to what seems to be happening among Overland manufacturers.

Just a quick glance at the battery packs in vehicles at this weekend’s Mountain West Overland Expo at The Ranch in Loveland, Colo., showed red battery sets in most of the spots you’d normally see a different color in an RV.

“It really just fits the RV space,” said Mike Kurtz, Redarc’s North American OEM sales leader. “The components are easy to fit and easy to install. Realistically, the best thing we can do is getting the product in front of the OEMs.”

For a while, that might not have been as easy as it sounds.

Redarc entered the U.S. market about six years ago after spending its founding years in Australia.

Getting in front of American manufacturers took some work in a marketplace where there already were a number of American power sources.

But Redarc came with a reputation of its own. You don’t just travel into the Australian outback unless you’re confident in your power source.

Those efforts by Kurtz have paid off as could be seen at the Overland Expo.

Redarc products can charge, charge and monitor and charge, monitor and control.

“And we can assist with design integrations,” Kurtz said.

He said Redarc products include inverters, AC chargers, DC chargers, solar chargers and an overall manager in the Alpha series.

He said the products appeal to do-it-yourselfers, but have made huge inroads into the OEM segment over the past year.

“We’re becoming very well known and envision expanding our base,” Kurtz said.

The post Redarc Batteries Becoming the Standard for Overlanding Market first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FREMONT, Calif. – Pebble, the California-based startup behind the all-electric recreational vehicle trailer, Pebble Flow, is announcing the opening of its new 60,000-square-foot HQ and manufacturing facility in Fremont, CA. This move marks a significant milestone in Pebble’s journey to define a new way to live, work and explore from anywhere. 

The Pebble Flow was designed to introduce a new RVing experience, powered by a large 45 kWh lithium-ion battery. Developed by veterans from Apple, Tesla, Zoox, Rivian and SpaceX, the Pebble Flow is the industry’s most advanced travel trailer. Utilizing the NVIDIA DRIVE Orin platform, the Pebble Flow features automation capabilities, including the Dual-Motor Active Tow Assist System, Magic Hitch and Remote Control, making RVing as easy as using an iPhone. 

Pebble’s Head of Manufacturing and Service Operations, Greg Zanghi, who has extensive operations experience from Tesla, Ducati, Zoox, and Aurora, will oversee all operations, including final assembly, which will take place in the new Fremont facility. 

“Opening our combined headquarters, R&D, and manufacturing facility in Fremont is a huge step forward in bringing the Pebble Flow to market,” said Zanghi. “It gives us room to grow, attract top talent, and execute on our vision. We are excited to put down roots in the Bay Area, the heart of advanced technology development.”

With the opening of the new facility, Pebble plans to add up to 100 new high-tech roles in clean energy within the first year. These will span engineering, production, operations and quality assurance. 

The Pebble Flow has a starting price of $109,000 before potential tax credits. Preorders are available at pebblelife.com/preorder with a $500 fully refundable deposit.

If you are interested in joining a team developing and producing advanced zero-emission technology that will enable the best RVing experience possible, the Pebble team is hiring. Learn more about the company, the team and see the current open positions at pebblelife.com/company.

About Pebble

Pebble is a California-based startup defining a new way to live, work and explore from anywhere with a 100% electric, hassle-free travel trailer. Built by a team of experts in both automotive and consumer technology, Pebble combines electrification with cutting-edge automotive technology for an RV experience that removes the hassles RV owners have struggled with for decades. Learn more at pebblelife.com. 

Follow Pebble on Social To receive real-time updates and learn more about Pebble, subscribe to the newsletter at pebblelife.com or check out the team on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Discord, and Youtube.

The post OEM Pebble Opens New HQ, Manufacturing Facility in Calif. first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

DÜSSELDORF, Germany – Caravan Salon, which takes place from Aug. 30 to Sept. 8, is the most relevant platform for presenting new models and innovations in the caravanning industry, according to a release.

“Düsseldorf will become the center of the caravanning world for 10 days! Over 750 exhibitors will be presenting a huge variety of ranges in 16 halls and on the outdoor premises. Caravan Salon is the most important date for launching the new generation of vehicles as well as innovations in the upstream supply and accessories industries. The trade fair attracts visitors and experts from all over the world and fully does justice to its role as a trend indicator and positive stimulus for the sector,” stated Director Stefan Koschke.

Hardly any other form of holidays affords as much freedom and individuality as does caravanning. This is not only reflected by the flexible tour planning but also by the large choice of vehicle layouts and furnishings. The industry offers the constantly growing caravanning community an impressive range of products and numerous personalisation options. Daniel Onggowinarso, Managing Director of the Caravanning Industry Association (CIVD), stresses: “The possibilities of adapting motorhomes or caravans to ones wishes and needs are enormous. Almost every facet of a vehicle can be designed individually while the comprehensive range of furnishings and accessories fulfils even the highest demands made on functionality and comfort. This extraordinary flexibility and broad product portfolio are hallmarks of the caravanning industry and are therefore particularly close to the hearts of holidaymakers.”

Complete market overview and currently trending themes

The choice of vehicle layouts for motorhomes and caravans has widened substantially over the past years and today offers more variety than ever before. This extensive offering allows users to choose from a wide palette of models, which are tailored to differing needs and use cases:

Caravans create spacious living and offer a high degree of flexibility at the holiday destination. With the decoupled passenger car users can conveniently do their shopping or go on day trips while their mobile holiday domicile awaits them at their preferred pitch. The rising choice of caravan models has opened the market for new target groups – including models with large storage space and specific furnishing features that are especially attractive for active sportspeople and other specialist user groups. This testifies to the market having far outgrown classic family holidays.

The range of motorhomes is also as broad as ever: alongside the classic models such as alcove, semi-integrated and fully integrated motorhomes, compact motorhomes are also gaining in popularity. Campervans are the fastest growing segment and have often accounted for over half the new registrations over the past few years. These compact vehicles are appreciated above all for their easy handling and suitability for everyday use. The overwhelming majority of motorhomes have one thing in common: thanks to state-of-the-art technology the driving experience in nearly all types of motorhomes is almost identical to that of a normal car, making it easier for newcomers.

Interior design: flexible use of space

Customers’ demands made on the interior design of caravans and motorhomes have undergone constant development over the past few decades. Modern, high-quality designs are in great demand especially in sleeping and living areas today. Interiors are dominated by bright, natural colours and wood tones. The variety of design options reflects customers’ desire to design their living spaces in caravans or motorhomes according to their individual wishes and stylishly. For technical equipment multi-functional approaches are in the foreground: folding and height-adjustable beds as well as variable workspaces make for flexible room usage and help to optimally use the limited space. With just a few simple steps seating areas can be converted into generous sleeping facilities and in many models the bathroom can be enlarged through folding or swivelling elements. Controlling on-board systems by Tablet or smartphone is considered standard by now. This allows holidaymakers to also conveniently control  important functions such as water and gas levels or air-conditioning and heating remotely.

Self-sufficiency in caravanning: the trend toward independence

In the caravanning sector self-sufficiency is a topic increasingly gaining in importance. More and more people are attracted to RV parks and campsites in nature away from tourist hotspots to spend their holidays as close to nature as possible. This desire for independence makes more and caravanning enthusiasts want to be self-sufficient. Meaning demand for such furnishing features as additional battery packs and solar panels is on the rise. At the same time 4-wheel drive motorhomes enjoy growing popularity as they make it possible to also reach pitches or campsites in remote holiday regions and even under the most challenging weather conditions. These trends evidence that the requirements for motorhomes and caravans are rising constantly. The industry therefore consistently adapts to both familiar needs and new trends of the adventurous, nature-loving camping fans.

For more info go to:  www.caravan-salon.de

The post Caravan Salon 2024 Opens Friday in Düsseldorf, Germany first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.